KATHMANDU: Newly appointed Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Kulman Ghising, has directed officials to immediately collect pending dues from dedicated and trunk line users.

The instruction came on Monday after he assumed office at the ministry.

“Nepal is facing an economic and political crisis. At this time, businesspersons as well as citizens inside and outside the country must contribute,” Ghising said, adding, “The collection of outstanding dues from dedicated and trunk lines must begin without delay.”

He further proposed setting up a reconstruction fund to mobilize support from all sectors.

Earlier in the day, Minister Ghising took the oath of office and secrecy at Sheetal Niwas.

Following the ceremony, he visited those injured during the recent Gen-Z protests before formally assuming office at Singha Durbar.

He also pledged to make sincere efforts to address the demands raised during the demonstrations.

While taking charge, Ghising remarked that the interim government had been formed under special circumstances.

He stressed the need to shoulder responsibility by steering the nation toward prosperity and political stability.

Along with the energy portfolio, Ghising has been entrusted with two additional ministries, and he vowed to work towards bringing the country back to normalcy.

Declaring the beginning of a new reconstruction campaign, the minister paid tribute to those who lost their lives during various democratic movements and the recent Gen-Z protests, and extended wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.